Whether they're enduring soul veterans or youthful neo-soul crooners, what these 14 singers share is a rare vocal intensity and an ability to convey deep emotion. As featured on World Café and other NPR programs, this choice set list includes R&B icon Chaka Khan teamed with Mary J. Blige on "Disrespectful"; Sharon Jones and her Brooklyn-based funk/soul band the Dap-Kings (who use analog recording equipment and vintage instruments only) on "100 Days, 100 Nights"; Tre Williams and the Revelations' mixture of soul, funk, and hip-hop on "How Do I Tell Him?"; Candi Staton's timeless soul/R&B delivery (updated with assistance from alt-country group Lambchop) on "His Hands"; Grammy-winning disco queen Thelma Houston with "Love and Happiness"; guitarist Steve Cropper (of Stax/Booker T. & the MG's fame) and singer Felix Cavaliere (of the Young Rascals) with "If It Wasn't for Loving You"; Ryan Shaw with his aura of sancified soul on "Do the 45"; and much more.